White’s story was one of the best in college basketball in 2016-17. As a 6-1 guard coming out of high school, he was ignored by Division I schools—and most four-year schools of any classification, for that matter—and wound up at Division II Colorado-Colorado Springs. After growing four inches and becoming a DII All-American his junior season, he decided to test his skills against the very best. So he jumped to the school he grew up rooting for, Colorado. Even in White’s redshirt season, Colorado coach Tad Boyle told reporters he thought White could eventually become a pro. And when White earned first-team Pac-12 honors in his only season as a Buffalo, everyone knew Boyle was right. Those who know White best aren’t putting a serious run at an NBA roster past him.

Strengths

Can play either guard spot

Good passer

Scores in the midrange

Three-point threat

Great shot blocker for his position

Gets to the free-throw line a lot and can convert

Weaknesses

Not overly quick

Ball handling could get better

Decision-making could be more consistent

NBA projection: White has been forecast by some Draft analysts as a second-round pick.

2016-17 Season
White was chosen first-team All-Pac-12 by the league’s coaches (second team by the Associated Press) and also made the league’s All-Defensive team and All-Tournament team while leading the Buffaloes in scoring, assists, blocked shots, 3-point percentage, 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and attempted and field goals made and attempted. White helped lead Colorado to a 19-15 record and a spot in the NIT, where he scored 30 points against UCF in the first round.

Cool statistic: White blocked 49 shots in 2016-17, the most by a guard in Colorado history.

Reminds me of: Malcolm Brogdon

What Insiders SayColorado coach Tad Boyle
“He’s fifth in the league in blocked shots, he can guard multiple positions. He’s one of the top five players in our league, I believe that. Lonzo Ball is good. Markelle Fultz is good. I’m not sure I’d trade Derrick for anybody. Derrick’s an everyday guy; you can just count on him to make big plays at big moments.”

What Outsiders SayMissouri coach Cuonzo Martin
“I believe what changed the game was Derrick White. He was a difference maker on the floor. He’s a big time talent, and we knew going into the game that he’s the one guy who can make plays. We did a good job of defending guys, White just made plays. He’s a special talent.”